'Well done selectors' - Twitterati react as Deepak Hooda receives call-up for West Indies ODIs

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have announced India’s squad for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Three ODIs will be followed by as many T20Is in the tour and the Men in Blue, after a disappointing show in South Africa, will fight for redemption. Notably, the national selectors have taken some major calls with players being awarded for their impressive show in domestic circuit.

Deepak Hooda is one of the notable inclusions in the team and the all-rounder, who has been picked in the ODI squad, will have a point to prove. The dasher has been around the scenes since a while and even boasts an impressive record in domestic circuit. However, hot and cold performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have restricted him from donning the national jersey.

It must be noted that Hooda has been a part of Indian team before but didn’t get a chance to make his debut. Nonetheless, he’s now back in the reckoning and it would be interesting to see if he gets a chance against the Men in Maroon or not. Notably, Hooda is known for his quick run-scoring in the middle-overs alongside bowling some handy off-spins.

Can Deepak Hooda end India’s quest for a batting all-rounder?

Hence, the 26-year-old has all attributes of ending India’s quest for a sixth-bowling option, who can bat in the top six. However, with less ODIs being played these days, Hooda has to make full use of any opportunity which comes his way. Notably, the likes of Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya are unavailable due to fitness issues.

The selectors also dropped Venkatesh Iyer from the ODI team after a dismal show in South Africa. Also, vice-captain KL Rahul is unavailable for the opening match. Hence, there are pretty high chances of Hooda making a cut in the playing XI in the first game. Meanwhile, the ODI series gets underway on February 6 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This will be Rohit Sharma’s first assignment as full-time ODI captain and the veteran would be determined to make a mark.

India ODI squad against West Indies: Rohit Sharma (Capt), KL Rahul (vc), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shikhar, Virat Kohli, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant (wk), D Chahar, Shardul Thakur, Y Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan

Meanwhile, let’s look at how Twitterati reacted to Deepak Hooda’s selection:

Deepak Hooda included in the ODI squad vs West Indies – he was terrific for Rajasthan in the domestic season.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 26, 2022

You came out of a tough phase, you kept fighting, kept performing. So proud @HoodaOnFire congratulations 🥳 Make the most of it. Congratulations to Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh khan too. #INDvWI

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) January 26, 2022

Deepak Hooda was the biggest surprise, happy to see Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan in both set up, looking forward to see Kuldeep again after injury.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 27, 2022

Selection of allrounder Deepak Hooda didn't surprise me at all. He relishes challenges in any format of the game & has a big match temperament. If we are looking for a genuine all rounder, he is the one who should be given enough chances. Will be a dark horse for both World Cups

— Makarand Waingankar (@wmakarand) January 27, 2022

Good to see @imkuldeep18 #deepakhooda Well done selectors ✅ https://t.co/yAh1Iiy4fu

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 26, 2022

Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi have been consistent performers in the white ball domestic cricket and the IPL. It's a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills and prove they belong at the highest level.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 26, 2022

Some brilliant selection calls by India with the inclusion of Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan in both formats – Deepak Hooda in ODI format (might play at 6) – both sides looked well balanced than which played in South Africa with Sundar and Axar returning to the setup.

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 26, 2022

Of all the selections, I am enthused about Deepak Hooda the most.

1. Acknowledging that finishing as an issue & are considering specialists.

2. Batsmen who can bowl are back in vogue. Hope Shaw, Jaiswal, Samad, Parag etc take their bowling with more seriousness.

— Cricketjeevi (@wildcardgyan) January 26, 2022

Deepak Hooda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021:-

•Innings – 6
•Runs – 294
•Average – 73.50
•Strike Rate – 168.0
•50s – 4
•4s/6s – 23/17

— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) January 26, 2022

Super happy for Deepak Hooda! Had a tough period but absolutely smashed his way into India selection. Top call by @chetans1987 and Co.@HoodaOnFire#INDvWI

— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) January 26, 2022

Deepak Hooda in domestic T20s this season for Rajasthan:
75(39), 50(28), 70(36), 21(16), 75(47) #INDvWI

— The Cricket Statistician (@CricketSatire) January 26, 2022

You can clearly make out from these selections that there has been a change in the leadership group . Very good to see opportunities given to Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi. Well done @Imro45

— ` (@FourOverthrows) January 26, 2022